Content Warning: This article deals with sensitive subject matter around the topic of sexual abuse. When you have a loved one who has experienced sexual assault, knowing how to be an effective friend and ally can be hard to navigate. Their experience is deeply personal and traumatic. While in many cases it can be difficult to relate, there are concrete ways to help. When a friend of Ilona’s experienced a trauma, Ilona felt helpless. In such a terrible circumstance, how would she be able to understand what her friend needed? Should she reach out, or give her space?...

Content Warning: This article deals with sensitive subject matter around the topic of sexual abuse. Over the last year and a half, news surrounding sexual assault and men of power has been featured in headlines worldwide. What started as a series of allegations against media mogul Harvey Weinstein led to an avalanche of information exposing the underbelly of sexual coercion across industries. Hundreds of women came forward to tell their brave stories. Within this tumultuous time, a few courageous men made headlines by telling their truths as well. In October 2017,...

Content Warning: This article deals with sensitive subject matter around the topic of sexual abuse. When someone you know has suffered from trauma, it can be hard to see the signs. All experiences are different, and the way people react to difficult events comes in many forms. There are, however, some common signs of trauma and abuse that we can all be aware of. Just as we are taught to notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction or broken bones, becoming more aware of abuse indicators can lead to earlier intervention and have a huge impact on those around us who...

Content Warning: This article deals with sensitive subject matter around the topic of sexual abuse. No matter where you live, there is no society that is immune to violence. While Canada is known worldwide for being a relatively safe and tolerant place to live, gender-based harassment and assault are still highly prevalent. According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, sexual assault is the only form of violent crime in Canada that is not declining. Since 1999, rates of sexual assault have remained relatively unchanged, while rates of robbery and physical assault...